Currency
You can import and export Tanzania shillings but converting them into other currencies can be a big problem.
Money exchange
Do not exchange money on the street. We would advise you to cash your foreign currency as the need arises through banks and forex bureaus.
Safekeeping of passport & valuables
Please keep your passport and money on you at all times. Never leave money or valuables in your room or in your vehicle unattended. You can check valuables into security boxes at the hotels and lodges. Be especially careful whilst in camps and lodges and on special excursions such as boat rides. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery (necklaces, etc).
Banking hours
Banking hours are 0900-1600hrs over the weekdays. Outside of these hours your hotels will change money at any time (on safari, the same applies for the reception desk at lodges). Remember that you must produce your passport when changing either notes or travellers cheques. Dollars, Euros, and Sterling pounds are widely accepted but travellers cheques more difficult.
Credit cards
Credit cards such as american express, visa and mastercard are widely accepted in most parts of the country, hotels and in most camps and lodges. There are ATM machines in all major towns across East Africa.
Security
Tanzania is relatively safe; however you are advised to take precaution especially at night. Please always take a taxi. Always let a tour member know where you are going when you go off to do your own thing. Please take the same care and common sense precautions that you would do in any other part of the world.
Spectacles and contacts
On safari, be prepared for bumpy and dusty roads. These can be an irritant to contact lens wearers. Eyedrops and a spare pair of glasses are a sensible precaution.
Baggage
Remember your 20kg limit (40 kg for first and 30 kg club class travellers) on your return from East Africa. Excess luggage will be charged accordingly. If your itinerary includes any flying in light aircraft on safari, you are restricted to a maximum of 15 kg including hand luggage. Soft Bags are Highly recommended with dimensions not exceding 25cm (10in) x 30cm (12 in) x 62cm (24in). Travellers requiring additional luggage in the light aircraft must pre-book and pay for this on confirmation of the reservation.
Plastic bags ban
Please note that plastic bags have been banned in Tanzania. Any person who contravenes against any provision of this act or of regulations made thereunder for which no other penalty is specifically provided is liable, upon conviction, to either imprisonment or a hefty fine, or to both such fine and imprisonment.
Clothing
Clothing should be practical, comfortable and informal. Lightweight cotton clothing such as shirts, shorts, trousers or skirts are ideal on safari, while a warm sweater or jacket (and socks) may be needed for early morning game drives and cool highland evenings. It is unlikely that a jacket and a tie will be needed unless you are on business. Bring your swimwear, sunhat, suncream, sunglasses, a small flash-light (torch), alarm clock and comfortable dustproof shoes. Lip balm, insect repellent, moneybelt and reading materials are also useful. We highly recommend that you leave valuable jewellery at home.
Climate
The climate in East Africa is strongly influenced by altitude and proximity to the sea. The coast has a hot and humid tropical climate. Inland (Arusha), a more temperate climate prevails, usually with warm, sunny days and cool nights. As a general rule the cool season runs June to August and hot season January to March. The long rains occur during mid- March to May, and the short rains from end October to mid — December.
Drinking water
We recommend that you purchase bottled water throughout your stay in Tanzania. Use it to brush and wash your teeth and mouth with. Ice is generally frozen from boiled water.
Food
Food in Tanzania is delicious, varied and plentiful: succulent crayfish from the indian ocean, smoked sailfish, (Tanzania’s equivalent to smoked salmon), english roast beef, Molo lamb, and many more besides. Tanzania’s famed fruits abound – pineapple, paw paw, mangoes, avocados, passion fruits, bananas, pears, and strawberries to name but a few. Fresh vegetables are equally abundant. The hotels, lodges and camps in which you stay are renowned for their high standard of cuisine. However, a change of climate and travelling, can, in a few instances, cause travellers diarrhoea, a minor complaint not comparable in severity with ‘gypie tummy’. Eating in moderation, avoiding cold buffet lunch tables that have been exposed the mid-day sun, and fasting for a day (whilst drinking plenty of bottled water) should be stricken, are sensible precautions.
Spirits, beers, wine and cigarettes:
Are all available in Tanzania. The price for soft drinks and beers are reasonable, whilst imported spirits, wine and cigarettes tend to be on the expensive side.
Anti-malaria medication
Yellow fever and cholera vaccination certiicates are required for visitors arriving from infected areas. There are a number of other inoculations recommended to visitors. Clients are advised to contact their own doctor or medical advisory centre for up to date information. Malaria is endemic in East Africa and visitors should follow a course of malaria prophylactics according to doctor’s advice.
Medical services
The larger towns in Tanzania have drugstores and hospitals, but you should carry with you adequate supplies of your own medicines and toiletry as in the smaller towns these may not be obtained. There are several hospitals in the larger towns staffed by doctors with internationally recognized degrees. Most lodges and hotels have their own in-house doctors for emergencies and appointments can be made at the many hospitals, dispensaries and clinics in the cities.
Electricity
Most hotels and lodges generate their own electricity. However, take a small light weight flashlight as some generators are usually run for short periods in the early morning and again in the evening from 1830hrs to 2230hrs. The electricity supply in Tanzania is 240v / 50hz.sockets are usually 3 pin square (british type). In tended camps and lodges it is usually possible to re-charge video camera batteries at reception on request.
Photography
Bring plenty of film or digital storage with you. Most of the common types of film or memory cards can be bought in the cities or in hotels and lodges on safari. Useful items include telephoto (200m) lenses, filters, mini tripods, dust proof bags and of course spare batteries. Binoculars are an invaluable aid to spotting distant animals or birds. Do not take photographs of the locals without their permission. Never take photographs of the military, military institutions, armed forces barracks, policemen, the president, government officials or airports. Always ask your guide for guidance before taking photographs in public areas.
Wild animals
Do please remember that our animals are wild and should never be approached on foot. Please be alert and cautious in the lodges and camps when walking from your room to the public areas.
Laundry
Most hotels and lodges offer laundry services.
Safari guides
Get to know your driver / guide and your professional guide. Their knowledpe of africa is a bottomless treasure. Be friendly. Sometimes, at the outset of a safari, the driver / guides can be shy and need encouragement to open up. Ask a lot of questions. Don’t be afraid to make requests of your driver / guide and your professional guide.
Air ticket reconfirmation:
Air tickets must be reconfirmed for all domestic and international flights. We would be delighted to assist. In order for us to do this, we must be able to personally check your tickets. We will do our utmost to secure your specific seat requests but this cannot be guaranteed. Most airlines now have online check-in facility which you can access through the hotels business centres.
Visas & Passports
For most nationalities a visa is required. If you are unsure, kindly contact us to find out if you are required to have a Visa for admission into Tanzania. You must posses a valid machine-readable passport issued by he country of which you are a citizen. The passport must have sufficient blank visa pages adjacent to each other for endorsements. Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of travel. We recommend you make two certified copies of your passport identification page and relevant visa page(s) when you travel. Leave one set with your emergency contact at home and keep one set in a safe place. For absolute peace of mind, email yourself a digital copy that you can access online.
Airport departure tax:
Airport departure taxes are now included in the price of both regional and international flight ticket.
Flying doctors service
Membership of the FDS is strongly recommended. In the event of serious accident or illness while on safari, patients will receive emergency treatment and an air ambulance to hospital. Kindly contact us for a quote on the subscription of this service.
The safari experience
Please look at any inconveniences with a positive attitude. Flat tyres and a few unexpected delays are all part and parcel of the safari experience.
Departure
Ensure that you print your onward flight boarding pass at your hotel after the on-line check in, to facilitate your smooth baggage drop off upon arrival at the airport.
Zanzibar Code of Conduct
Zanzibar has a mandatory tourist code of conduct that requires all tourists and visitors to cover their bodies from their shoulders to their knees and refrain from public displays of affection (PDA) while in public areas. Failure to comply could result in a minimum fine of $700.
Tipping
Many travellers feel uneasy about tipping because they do not know the local custom or are afraid of giving offence. We firmly believe a gratuity is not obligatory or mandatory; they are however, cutomarily given throughout Africa. We recommend that tipping is done directly – simply hand the person who helped you the money – or through a staff tip-box, whichever you feel more comfotable.